South Waterfront Design Guidelines and the Greenway Design

South Waterfront Design Guidelinesand the

Greenway Design Guidelinesfor South Waterfront

December 20, 2002

The Bureau of Planning

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If you need special accommodation,

please call

503-823-7700

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For more information on the South Waterfront Plan please contact:

Bureau of Planning1900 SW Fourth Avenue, Suite 4100Portland, Oregon 97201

Phone: 503-823-7700Fax: 503-823-7800Internet: www.planning.ci.portland.or.usEmail: [email protected]

Acknowledgements

South Waterfront Design Guidelines iDecember 2002

Portland City CouncilVera Katz, MayorJim Francesconi, CommissionerDan Saltzman, CommissionerErik Sten, Commissioner

Portland Design CommissionChristopher Kopca, ChairMichael McCulloch, AIA, Vice-ChairLloyd Lindley, ASLANancy Merryman, AIALoren WaxmanLinda WisnerMary Hanlon

Portland Bureau of PlanningVera Katz, Mayor, Commissioner-in-chargeGil Kelley, Planning DirectorDeborah Stein, Principal PlannerCary Pinard, Principal Planner

Bureau of Planning Project StaffMarie Johnson, Senior Planner, Project LeaderStevie Greathouse, Senior PlannerMark Raggett, City PlannerBrad Carter, City PlannerStephanie O�Neill, Community Service AideRonda Fast, Intern

Additional Bureau of Planning AssistanceJessica Richman, Senior PlannerBarb Grover, City PlannerGary Odenthal, GIS CoordinatorKevin Martin, GIS SpecialistRalph Sanders, Graphic Designer IIILori Hill, Graphic Designer IIDonah Baribeau, Office Support Specialist IIILesli La Rue, Office Support Specialist I

Image CreditsJanet BebbMike HouckDeborah HowesLloyd LindleyPeter MyeMike O�BrienMark RaggettBureau of Environmental ServicesPortland Parks and RecreationThe Willamette Riverbank Design Notebook

Acknowledgements

ii South Waterfront Design GuidelinesDecember 2002

Interbureau Project Team (Core Group)Janet Bebb, Portland Parks and RecreationMatt Brown, Portland Office of TransportationLinda Dobson, Bureau of Environmental ServicesMarie Johnson, Bureau of PlanningJeff Joslin, Bureau of Development ServicesCheryl Twete, Portland Development Commission

Additional Agency AssistanceGreg Acker, Office of SustainabilityRob Bennett, Office of SustainabilitySteve Fancher, Bureau of Environmental ServicesKate Green, Bureau of Development ServicesTom Liptan, Bureau of Environmental ServicesMike O�Brien, Office of SustainabilityRuth Selid, Bureau of Development ServicesKia Selley, Portland Development Commission

Table of Contents

South Waterfront Design Guidelines iiiDecember 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section I: IntroductionDesign Guidelines in South Waterfront .......................................................................................................7Using the Guidelines .....................................................................................................................................9

South Waterfront Design Guidelines.................................................................................................9Greenway Design Guidelines for South Waterfront .......................................................................10

Section II: South Waterfront Design GuidelinesA1-1 Develop River Edge Variety...............................................................................................................14A4-1 Integrate Ecological Concepts in Site and Development Design...................................................18A4-2 Integrate Stormwater Management Systems in Development .......................................................22A5-1 Consider South Waterfront�s History and Special Qualities ..........................................................26B1-1 Facilitate Transit Connections ..........................................................................................................30B1-2 Enhance Accessway Transitions......................................................................................................32B2-1 Incorporate Outdoor Lighting that Responds to Different Uses....................................................36C4-1 Develop Complementary Structured Parking ..................................................................................38C13-1 Coordinate District Signs ................................................................................................................40

Table of Contents

iv South Waterfront Design GuidelinesDecember 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

Section III: Greenway Design Guidelines for South Waterfront1. Enhance the Riverbank .......................................................................................................................... 462. Develop a Cohesive Greenway Trail System ....................................................................................... 503. Define Viewpoints................................................................................................................................... 544. Design Diverse Plant Communities ...................................................................................................... 58

Section IV: AppendicesAdopting Ordinance and Resolution ......................................................................................................... 65

South Waterfront Design Guidelines 5December 2002

Section IIntroduction

6 South Waterfront Design GuidelinesDecember 2002

Introduction


DESIGN GUIDELINES INSOUTH WATERFRONTCentral City Fundamental Design GuidelinesBecause South Waterfront is a subdistrict ofPortland�s Central City Plan District, the Central CityFundamental Design Guidelines apply throughout theSouth Waterfront plan area. The fundamentals serveas the base set of design guidelines for all subdistrictsof the Central City and address basic issues about thedesign of buildings in an urban environment. Theintroduction of the Central City Fundamental DesignGuidelines contains a detailed description of theCentral City�s design guideline system and designreview process.

Copies of the Central City Fundamental DesignGuidelines are available at the Bureau of Planning �please call 503-823-7700, or visit our web page atwww.planning.ci.portland.or.us. Copies of thedocument can also be obtained from the City�sDevelopment Services Center, at 503-823-7526.

South Waterfront Design Guidelines and theGreenway Design Guidelines for South WaterfrontThe South Waterfront Design Guidelines and theGreenway Design Guidelines for South Waterfront �both contained in this document � supplement theCentral City Fundamental Design Guidelines. These

two sets of guidelines add layers of specificity to thefundamentals, addressing design issues unique toSouth Waterfront and its greenway.

The South Waterfront Design Guidelines apply to alldevelopment proposals in South Waterfront within thedesign overlay zone, identified on zoning maps withthe lowercase letter �d� (indicated by the hatched areain Map 1 on page 8). These guidelines primarilyfocus on the design characteristics of buildings in thearea, including those along Macadam Avenue, at thewestern edge, to those facing the greenway and river.

The Greenway Design Guidelines for SouthWaterfront apply to development within the greenwayoverlay zone, identified on zoning maps with alowercase letter �g� (indicated by the hatched area inMap 2 on page 8). These design guidelines focus onthe area roughly between the facades of buildingsfacing the river and the water�s edge.

Compliance with the design guidelines in thisdocument can take many different forms for differentproposals -- discussion of proposed designs amongthe applicant(s), design review staff, and the PortlandDesign Commission is encouraged. Designguidelines are intended to state broad designobjectives and to provide guidance; they should notbe construed as prescriptive standards.

Introduction


DESIGN GUIDELINESIN SOUTH WATERFRONT(continued)Map 1 Design Overlay Zone (�d�) Map 2 Greenway Overlay Zone (�g�)

Introduction


USING THE GUIDELINESSouth Waterfront Design Guidelines

Each guideline addresses a single issue and has thesame structural components:

Introduction


USING THE GUIDELINES(continued)Greenway Design Guidelinesfor South Waterfront

Because these guidelines address issues specific tothe Willamette River Greenway, they do not nesteasily within the framework of the Central CityFundamental Design Guidelines. These guidelineshave the same structural components as the SouthWaterfront Design Guidelines (including thebackground statement, guideline language andexamples, as shown on the preceding page); and aresimply numbered 1 through 4.


Section IISouth Waterfront

Design Guidelines

Introduction


South Waterfront Design Guidelines


South WaterfrontDesign Guidelines

A1-1 Develop River Edge Variety..................... 14

A4-1 Integrate Ecological Concepts in Site andDevelopment Design................................ 18

A4-2 Integrate Stormwater ManagementSystems in Development ......................... 22

A5-1 Consider South Waterfront�s Historyand Special Qualities ............................... 26

B1-1 Facilitate Transit Connections.................. 30

B1-2 Enhance Accessway Transitions ............. 32

B2-1 Incorporate Outdoor Lighting thatResponds to Adjacent Uses..................... 36

C4-1 Develop ComplementaryStructured Parking ................................... 38

C13-1 Coordinate District Signs ......................... 40



A PORTLAND PERSONALITY

A1 INTEGRATE THE RIVER

A1-1 DEVELOP RIVER EDGE VARIETY

BACKGROUNDCompleting the Willamette River Greenway throughSouth Waterfront will link RiverPlace and John�sLanding areas. Many different qualities andopportunities exist along South Waterfront�s extensiveshoreline. Developing river edge variety within newdevelopment will make it one of the most enjoyablesegments of the entire Willamette River Greenwaysystem.

Building mass and/or edges facing the river andadjacent to the greenway should express a diversityof building forms to avoid the creation of a �wall� alongthe greenway. Variation in the horizontal planes ofbuildings, as well as the vertical facades facing theriver, help to transition from South Waterfront�sinterior of formal, urban buildings in an enclosedsetting to the diverse character of the greenway.

Articulation of these building façades with human-scale elements will help to complement the greenwayand add to the overall diversity of South Waterfront�sbuilt edge. Building elements, such as bay windows,balconies, roof terraces, awnings or large windowswith locations for plants (such as in window boxes oron window sills), are encouraged to create a humanscale at the lower levels of buildings.

GUIDELINEVary the footprint and façade plane of buildingsthat face the Willamette River to create a diversityof building forms and urban spaces adjacent tothe greenway.



This guideline may be accomplished by:

1. Configuring the building�s mass to beperpendicular to the river.

This is the end of one wing of the Tanner Place Condominiumsin the River District. Narrower sections of the building face thepedestrian accessway to the north, reducing the overall mass ofthe building facing the pedestrian and bicycle-only environment.This plan layout would produce a dynamic set of buildingfacades facing the greenway and would also create opportunitiesfor semi-public outdoor spaces, such as the entry courtyard tothe right.

2. Articulating the façade plane to step down to thegreenway.

This apartment building on the South Park Blocks steps itsfaçade in several increments down to meet the open space ofSW Park Avenue and the Park Blocks themselves. This moreaggressive strategy for stepping the building façade results in arichly textural set of heavily-glazed projecting bays.




3. Articulating building facades that face theWillamette River with human scale elements.

These buildings in Vancouver, BC, have incorporated human-scaled elements including large expanses of window glazing,terraces oriented to the street, and large canopies to offerweather protection to pedestrians. Elements like these andothers help to bring the scale of large buildings down to the scaleof the people that live, work or visit in them.

4. Breaking up the building�s mass to develop avariety of volumes.

This housing project in Vancouver, BC, has developed a three-story podium of rowhouses at its base. The building has alsoincorporated a taller tower component that has been pushed toone side of the podium, creating a varied building footprint andthe perception of a smaller overall building mass.




5. Developing a varied set of horizontal plane andvertical façade shifts.

The 1900 SW Fourth Building, in the South Auditorium District,has integrated a series of planters and seating ledges, arecessed band of windows, and a lower volume of the building tostrengthen its relationship to the pedestrian/bicycle accessway ofSW 3rd Avenue and the adjacent Lovejoy Plaza.

6. Using divisions inherent to the building type tobreak up potentially monolithic building forms.

The designers of this residential development in Vancouver, BC,have used projecting bays to accentuate the divisions betweenindividual dwelling units. The cumulative effect of this techniqueresults in an undulating façade plane, offering lots of visualtexture.



A2 EMPHASIZE PORTLAND THEMES

A3 RESPECT THE PORTLAND BLOCKSTRUCTURES

A4 USE UNIFYING ELEMENTS

A4-1 INTEGRATE ECOLOGICALCONCEPTS IN SITE ANDDEVELOPMENT DESIGN

BACKGROUNDSouth Waterfront offers a rare opportunity to integrateand enhance the district�s urban and natural contexts.As the designs of the district�s future buildings will behighly urban and contemporary, a contextual andecological approach to the development and sitedesigns will strengthen connections to adjacentneighborhoods and ecological assets. It is importantfor the district�s urban development to build strongrelationships with surrounding neighborhoods and theecological landscape. The landscape context ofSouth Waterfront will reflect its transitional nature as ahighly urbanized area, lying between the forestedWest Hills, the Willamette River, and Ross Island.

In South Waterfront, site designs that build upon theinherent contrasts between intensely urban andecologically-sensitive areas will be the defining qualityof the district. Creating landscapes that integrateecologically-sensitive plantings in the spaces betweenbuildings will add to the area�s diversity while helpingto unify its overall development. Taking advantage ofopportunities to plant native and native-like treestypical of riparian and upland areas, in concentrationswith other indigenous plants, will establishecologically-diverse plant communities ascounterpoints juxtaposed with urban landscapeelements. Plazas (or plaza-like gathering places),unobstructed stopping and viewing locations, or othermore intensive human-activity areas incorporated intobuilding site designs strengthen South Waterfront�surban character and add to the area�s diversity.



New development in South Waterfront can alsobenefit from the integration of ecological concepts,implemented on the exterior of buildings withsustainable building principles executed throughoutthe rest of the structure. �Green� or �high-performance� buildings can complement thelandscapes created in the spaces between them byintegrating ecological landscape elements with thebuilding forms and technologies. Examples ofecological concepts for new development include thecreation of multipurpose sunspaces, passive heatingand cooling systems, shading and trellis systems,among many others. The City�s Office of SustainableDevelopment, or the United States Green BuildingsCouncil (USGBC) have more information on greenbuilding strategies.

GUIDELINEIncorporate ecological concepts as integralcomponents of urban site and developmentdesigns.


1. Juxtaposing ecologically-sensitive site designswith intensely urban buildings and site elements.

This is a picture of one of the office buildings at the Daimler-Chrysler headquarters complex in Berlin, Germany. In theforeground is an artificial pond that has been lushly planted withwetland species of reeds and other plantings. The scale anddesign of the building and its site play off each other toemphasize the special qualities of both.




2. Integrating ecological landscape elements in sitedesigns.

This is an image of a vegetated water feature at the Daimler-Chrysler headquarters complex in Berlin, Germany. Part of theintensely urban complex can be seen in the water�s reflection.The combination of native and native-like plantings, irregularly-placed blocks of stone and seemingly-naturally occurringsandbanks work together to offer a serene alternative to thedevelopment�s urban character.

3. Developing special landscape environments.

The Water Pollution Control Lab in Cathedral Park has anintegrated system of water and wetland gardens. SouthWaterfront has a similar relationship to the river and newdevelopment could emphasize renewed ties to the river and itsecology by recreating wetland gardens. These heavilylandscaped spaces offer serene settings for contemplativepursuits, as well as rare opportunities for the incorporation ofwetland vegetation.




4. Creating interior spaces within buildings thatcelebrate and take advantage of exteriorenvironments.

This is an interior view of the sunspace at the Prisma Building inNuremberg, Germany. This multifunctional space provides asolar heated gathering space for the various tenants of themixed-use building. It implements passive cooling strategiesthrough plantings and by using water collected outside thebuilding and bringing it inside. These features also strengthenthe connections between the exterior and interior environments.

5. Incorporating sustainable building practices ortechniques into development designs.

This is a view looking south from the roof terrace on the EcotrustBuilding in the River District. The development and design teamof this building made sustainability a high priority. A significantamount of construction materials were recycled, an eco-roof hasbeen incorporated (on other sections of the building�s roof), anaggressive day-lighting strategy was employed and somespaces in the building have reused discarded materials, such asold industrial doors. These examples are only a few of the manysustainable strategies implemented by the building.



A4-2 INTEGRATE STORMWATERMANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INDEVELOPMENT

BACKGROUNDStormwater management is a critical component ofdevelopment everywhere. Integrating solutions withindevelopment retains, redirects or otherwise preventsstormwater from entering city systems and the river.On-site retention and management of stormwatergreatly reduces impacts on adjacent collection areas,ecosystems and treatment facilities. South Waterfrontprovides exceptional opportunities for theimplementation and integration of new stormwatermanagement systems.

There are many different types of stormwatermanagement systems. They range from eco-roofs orthe incorporation of pervious surfaces, such as sand-set brick paving, to more comprehensive systems thatreuse stormwater to irrigate landscape plantings.

Rooftop retention systems require enhancedstructural components of the building, and need to befactored into the early stages of the design processfor their successful integration. Water features thatincorporate stormwater management capabilities withtheir aesthetic functions provide multiple benefits.Water features providing stormwater managementcapabilities often require early consideration for anintegrated overall site and building design.

GUIDELINEIntegrate innovative stormwater managementsystems with the overall site and developmentdesigns.




1. Developing multifunctional stormwatermanagement systems.

This is a view of the courtyard at the Buckman TerraceApartment complex. The courtyard�s planted areas have beendesigned to function as stormwater retention facilities. Inaddition, (and typical of most courtyards) the courtyard offersvisual and physical relief for the residents of the building.

2. Celebrating the stormwater functions of typicalbuilding elements.

These scuppers at the Water Pollution Control Laboratory havebeen developed to cascade water from the building�s roof intothe wetland garden at the northern end of the site. This is arather poetic and celebratory solution to a typical buildingelement that could otherwise function unnoticed.




3. Considering the potential aesthetic functions ofstormwater management systems.

This image shows a view into an office environment across astormwater retention pond. Locating the pond with thisrelationship to the adjacent uses allows the pond to providevisual relief to the workers from the office spaces within thebuilding.

4. Integrating recreational rooftop facilities.

The 200 Market building in the South Auditorium District hasdeveloped a series of grass roofs for the lower portions of thebuilding. This portion is being used by the building�s workers forone of the regularly-scheduled bocce ball tournaments.




5. Creating comprehensive systems that advertiseand celebrate the building�s stormwater.

These channels incorporated into the building�s columnarstructure are actually displaying stormwater collected off thebuilding�s roof in open channels. This display of typically hiddenbuilding elements works in conjunction with other components ofthe system to successfully and comprehensively integratestormwater into the building�s systems.

6. Incorporating eco-roofs.

An eco-roof is a vegetated roofing system that can retain themajority of a building�s stormwater on the roof. In addition, theycontribute to a building�s energy efficiency. Mature plantings oneco-roofs in urban areas also provide aesthetic functions bycreating green oases that enhance views from nearby tallbuildings.



A5 ENHANCE, EMBELLISH AND IDENTIFYAREAS

A5-1 CONSIDER SOUTH WATERFRONT�SHISTORY AND SPECIAL QUALITIES

BACKGROUNDThe Willamette River serves as an important naturalhighway to and through the Willamette Valley.Throughout history, the Willamette River and itsriverbanks have provided numerous functions. Theriver itself creates a huge amount of open space thatbrings sunlight and air down to the lowestunderstories of the riparian zones. The gently slopingbanks have provided easy access to the river, whichallowed for basic needs of food and water to be met.Native Americans and the early pioneers in the areatook advantage of South Waterfront�s riverbank as anideal campsite location.

The maritime industrial character of South Waterfrontdates back to the early 1900s. The natural floodplainforming the bank of the Willamette River furnished thecorrect slope for the gravity-slide methods to accessthe river used by the early shipbuilding industry andthe Willamette River�s channel is deep enough in thissection to accommodate deep-draft ships. In theearly 1900s, the area became the site of severalshipbuilding, scrap metal and steel fabricationoperations. The shipbuilding industry was reversed inmore recent times when World War II Liberty shipsand other war vessels were brought upstream anddocked for dismantling and the salvage of scrap steel.

The majority of the heavy maritime industrial activityin South Waterfront was located in the northern partof the district, roughly between the Marquam Bridgeand SW Gibbs Street, just south of the Ross IslandBridge. South of Gibbs, the recent history of SouthWaterfront is more diverse. This area has gonethrough several phases of development and re-development during the previous century. The areahas seen uses that have included industrial, light-industrial, commercial and even residential types. In1988, the area (then named the North Macadamsubdistrict) was rezoned as part of the Central CityPlan from an industrial designation to a commercialzone as the area was no longer being used as amajor industrial location.



Adaptively reusing artifacts or materials present inexisting structures as elements of, or structuralsystems for, interpretive signs, benches, kiosks,lighting fixtures, public art, facilities serving watertransportation, water features, and/or paving materialsare potential methods for emphasizing the area�shistory.

New expressions, such as public art or water featuresthat create new or highlight existing qualities of SouthWaterfront, are encouraged. These could �showcase�industrial artifacts from South Waterfront�s past, suchas ships, port/gantry cranes or wharves. Theintegration of these elements with site anddevelopment designs is important to achieve thearea�s urban design goals.

These types of elements should be sized and placedon or in the project to be visible from adjacent areasintended to accommodate public pedestrianmovement and/or gathering. Additionally, functionalbuilding elements, such as awnings, windows, doors,and exterior lighting, can be creatively designed asidentifying features to strengthen the character ofSouth Waterfront.

GUIDELINEConsider emphasizing and integrating aspects ofSouth Waterfront�s diverse history in newdevelopment proposals.

When included in the development proposal,integrate works of art and/or water features withsite and development designs.




1. Reusing or recycling elements of SouthWaterfront�s past in new designs.

These industrial remnants, along South Waterfront�s riverbank,could be reused as part of a new riverbank design. They couldserve as a structure for new in-water habitat environments orpotentially as part of a new riverfront access opportunity.

2. Combining works of art, stormwater managementsystems, and water features.

This image shows an approach that combines stormwatermanagement and works of art. Their successful integrationdraws attention to both. The sculpture�s placement adds to thevisual relief offered by the water feature and provides differentviews from different locations around this office complex inGermany.




3. Developing projects to integrate and enhancehistoric features.

The Ross Island Bridge is one of the district�s most prominenthistoric features. New development adjacent to the bridge hasspecial opportunities to create strong relationships with thebridge�s graceful (upper image) and rhythmic (lower image)structural systems.

4. Using district elements and/or artifacts asinspiration for new works of art.

These cranes at the Zidell Marine barge-building facility (upperimage) are indicative of the scale of heavy industrialmanufacturing equipment. From a certain point of view, thecranes might have served as a contributing inspiration for theover-scaled spider sculptures in the lower image.



A6 REUSE / REHABILITATE / RESTOREBUILDINGS

A7 ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A SENSE OFURBAN ENCLOSURE

A8 CONTRIBUTE TO A VIBRANTSTREETSCAPE

A9 STRENGTHEN GATEWAYS

B PEDESTRIAN EMPHASIS

B1 REINFORCE AND ENHANCE THEPEDESTRIAN SYSTEM

B1-1 FACILITATE TRANSITCONNECTIONS

BACKGROUNDBuilding on the historic Jefferson Street trolley line,the transportation system in South Waterfront isanchored by the Moody-Bond spine that extends thelength of the district. This corridor will serve as theprimary vehicular mobility route, offer bus service, andhelp to extend streetcar service potentially to LakeOswego.

The alignment for these transit services is withinwalking distance to the greenway and rivertransportation, and is consistent with the patterns ofdevelopment densities in the district. In order tominimize the real or perceived distances betweendevelopment in the area east of the Moody-Bondcorridor and transit services, it is important to haveconvenient and direct pedestrian connections.Design decisions, such as orienting main buildingentrances to streets served by transit, cansignificantly enhance the accessibility of thosefacilities and potentially increase ridership.

GUIDELINEOrient the main entrances of buildings at streetsserved by public transit to conveniently anddirectly connect pedestrians with transit services.




1. Orienting main building entries or primary accesslocations to transit facilities.

These two images show examples of buildings in downtownPortland that have oriented main entries or primary accesslocations to transit facilities. The upper image is of theNordstrom�s department store and the MAX alignment on SWMorrison Street, and the lower image is of the Hilton Hotelexpansion building and the transit mall on SW 6th Avenue.

2. Creating direct access connections fromdevelopment to transit facilities.

This image shows an office building in the Lloyd District (in thebackground), and a planted accessway (in the foreground, andidentified by the gabled portico) offering a direct connection fromthe building to the MAX alignment on NE Holladay Street. Thisheavily-planted accessway not only provides an effective transitconnection, but also relief from the built environment around it.



B1-2 ENHANCE ACCESSWAYTRANSITIONS

BACKGROUNDThe new River Parkway and its accessways that leadto the greenway offer a special opportunity toenhance and unify the urban and natural contexts ofSouth Waterfront. One way to accomplish this isthrough landscape designs and treatments thatincorporate indigenous plants that are linked with thegreenways more intensive ecological landscapetreatments.

Accessways connect the internal street network ofSouth Waterfront to the greenway. The SouthWaterfront Street Plan identifies all accesswayconnections and their classifications. The term�accessway� specifically refers to the actualtransportation path that is used to connect one areaor use to another. The transportation component isaugmented by building setback areas that create aspace defined on either side by building frontages.Many of the accessways provide east-west transitionsfrom the urban interior of South Waterfront to thegreenway and the river.

Landscape designs in accessway setback areasshould support pedestrian and bicycle movement.Arrangements of plantings can be incorporated withinthe accessway or building setback area to offerstormwater collection and/or dispersal functions, suchas swales or stormwater planters. Developmentadjacent to accessway paths intersecting with thegreenway should blend species of vegetation used inthe interior parts of the district with those used in thegreenway. Plant species in accessway setback areasare encouraged to be native or native-like andcoordinated with the greenway�s treatment. Surfacematerials that provide some permeability tostormwater yet provide a hard, smooth surface forbiking and walking are encouraged where these typesof movements are intended.

GUIDELINEIntegrate landscape elements within accesswaysetback areas with accessway transportationcomponents to enhance transitions from SouthWaterfront�s interior to the greenway.




1. Developing transitional landscaping withinaccessway setback areas.

This accessway connection in the River District is oriented topedestrian and bicycle transit, but can accommodate vehicletraffic to parking areas. The paving materials between the treesare pervious, offering some stormwater management capability.

2. Developing accessways that serve as extensions ofthe greenway.

This is a view looking south on SW 3rd Avenue in the SouthAuditorium District. The connected canopy of the trees overheadcreates a feeling of enclosure by natural shadow, contrastingwith the light of the open space that can be perceived in thedistance. The rhythmic use of shadow and light can be used toguide people down the accessways from interior locations inSouth Waterfront.




3. Developing stormwater management facilitieswithin the accessways and/or building setbackareas.

This image is of a landscaped swale in the Buckman TerraceApartment complex�s courtyard. The swale and movement pathson either side give an indication of a stormwater design thatcould be developed within South Waterfront�s accessways.

4. Enhancing connections to the greenway trail.

This image shows a view looking down a waterfront trail inVancouver, BC. The woman with a dog in the lower right-handcorner of the image is accessing the trail system from an off-traillocation. The connection is marked by a change in pavingmaterial and color, as well as a break in the landscaped medianseparating pedestrian from wheeled traffic.




5. Developing shelter opportunities alongaccessways.

This sheltering canopy is along a waterfront trail in Vancouver,BC, but indicates a flexible type of shelter that could be used forcovered bicycle parking, to set up vending carts, or to arrangesome chairs for a small gathering.

6. Incorporating a mixture of plantings to createextensions of the greenway into the district.

Developing accessway connections with dense plantings (in amanner similar to this heavily planted path) will help to extendthe greenway into the district. The mixture and density of theplantings creates a special, bucolic character, emphasizing anatural stronghold in a dense urban setting.



B2 PROTECT THE PEDESTRIAN

B2-1 INCORPORATE OUTDOORLIGHTING THAT RESPONDS TODIFFERENT USES

BACKGROUNDStreet level lighting of public areas is encouraged toprovide a sense of community, activity and security.Effective night lighting promotes the use of pedestrianareas during the evening hours throughout the year.Light fixtures should be placed to direct light atbuilding walls and ground surfaces, where light isdesirable, while shielding light from nearby residentialwindows, wildlife habitat areas and the sky, to avoidexcess and/or vertical �spill� light.

Fixtures adjacent to ecological or habitat-enhancement areas should employ a hidden-sourcedesign, to avoid the creation of unwanted glare and/orlight pollution into these areas.

GUIDELINEPlace and direct exterior lighting to ensure thatthe ground level of the building and associatedoutdoor spaces are well lit at night.

Integrate exterior lighting so that it does notdetract from the uses of adjacent areas.


1. Providing attached directional lighting alongbuilding facades.

These simple, directional lighting fixtures are attached to amixed-use development in the RiverPlace community. Thefixture�s hood helps to shield the light from spreading and directsthe light to the sidewalk.




2. Developing light fixtures that offer direct andindirect light.

Light fixtures like these offer focussed light from the directionalpiece onto the ground below. In addition, the hood componentcatches excess light from the fixture and spreads it indirectlyover a slightly greater area, increasing efficiency of the fixture.

B3 BRIDGE PEDESTRIAN OBSTACLES

B4 PROVIDE STOPPING AND VIEWINGPLACES

B5 MAKE PLAZAS, PARKS, AND OPENSPACES SUCCESSFUL

B6 DEVELOP WEATHER PROTECTION

B7 INTEGRATE BARRIER-FREE DESIGN



C PROJECT DESIGN

C1 ENHANCE VIEW OPPORTUNITIES

C2 PROMOTE QUALITY AND PERMANENCEIN DEVELOPMENT

C3 RESPECT ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRITY

C4 COMPLEMENT THE CONTEXT OFEXISTING BUILDINGS

C4-1 DEVELOP COMPLEMENTARYSTRUCTURED PARKING

BACKGROUNDParking structures provide parking for residential,commercial and other uses in South Waterfront.Their design should complement the design context ofthe area as expressed in the scale, proportion andmaterials of nearby buildings. Exterior facades ofparking structures that expose or express slopingfloors are discouraged. The exterior walls of parkingstructures should incorporate materials, colors andarticulation to visually complement adjacent buildings.

A strategic approach to the location of parking accesspoints minimizes the potential for pedestrian/vehicleconflicts. Placing and screening structured parking toavoid views of parked cars from the greenway oraccessways strengthens the characters of theseareas by reinforcing their emphasis on pedestrian andbicycle movement. Residential, commercial andinstitutional uses, public art and dense vegetation areexamples of screening uses and/or devices.

GUIDELINEDevelop, orient and screen structured parking tocomplement adjacent buildings, reduceautomobile/pedestrian conflicts and support thepedestrian environment.




1. Developing parking facilities to serve multiplebuildings.

Concentrating necessary parking for multiple buildings or uses inone facility significantly reduces or eliminates the need forincorporated parking in the other participating buildings. Levels 2through 10 at the Hilton Hotel expansion on SW Taylor are usedfor parking. The parking developed in this building serves notonly the hotel�s patrons, but also several nearby uses.

2. Integrating structured parking with the building�soverall design.

Incorporated structured parking at lower levels of the Gregory inthe River District has been masked with decorative brick-work,applied in patterns consistent with the �neo-deco� styling themeused for the building.



C5 DESIGN FOR COHERENCYC6 DEVELOP TRANSITIONS BETWEEN

BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC SPACESC7 DESIGN CORNERS THAT BUILD ACTIVE

INTERSECTIONSC8 DIFFERENTIATE THE SIDEWALK-LEVEL

OF BUILDINGSC9 DEVELOP FLEXIBLE SIDEWALK-LEVEL

SPACESC10 INTEGRATE ENCROACHMENTSC11 INTEGRATE ROOFS AND USE ROOFTOPSC12 INTEGRATE EXTERIOR LIGHTINGC13 INTEGRATE SIGNS

C13-1 COORDINATE DISTRICT SIGNS

BACKGROUNDSigns exist in a shared environment that competes forthe attention of viewers. Unlike most othercommunication devices, a sign is influenced by itslocation in relation to buildings, traffic arteries, otherrights-of-way and by its proximity to other signs. Signsshare with architecture an ability to characterize entiresections of a city as well as a single establishment.The street has become a gallery for the many formsof sign art.

Signs should be considered as integral componentsof any improvement/development project. To achievecompatibility in the design of signs for a building or astorefront, developers and their architects areencouraged to establish a master sign program forthe signs. This program helps guide futureimprovements to a building�s sign system over its lifespan. The master sign program will address designissues of the building�s sign system, including signsize, character, materials, placement, and lighting.When supporting structures of signs are exposed,they should also be considered as elements in themaster sign program.

For visual harmony, signs should be complementaryand respectful to the architectural integrity ofbuildings. Inappropriate signs can defeat thepurposes of other design considerations or evendetract from the land uses within an area. On theother hand, signs that respect and enhance an areacan be powerful tools in achieving the resultsintended by the land use and design process.

GUIDELINEConsider the development of a master signprogram that integrates the sign system with thedevelopment�s overall design.




1. Developing master sign programs that achieveintegrated sign systems.

These examples of integrated sign systems are part of theoverall design scheme for the respective buildings, LibertyCentre on the left, and PacWest Center on the right.

2. Using indirect lighting for building signs.

Pioneer Place II at SW 4th and Morrison uses raised metal lettersfor the sign and lighting that hides its source and illuminates thesign by silhouetting the letters.



Section IIIGreenway Design

Guidelines forSouth Waterfront


Greenway Design Guidelines for South Waterfront


Greenway Design Guidelinesfor South Waterfront1 Enhance the Riverbank............................ 46

2 Develop a Cohesive GreenwayTrail System......... ................................... 50

3 Define Viewpoints ................................... 54

4 Design Diverse Plant Communities ........ 58



1. ENHANCE THE RIVERBANK

BACKGROUNDThe riverbank is a critical component of theWillamette River Greenway system. Through SouthWaterfront, and coordinated with the environmentsoffered by Ross Island, it offers the best opportunityfor a functional, ecological corridor. The quality ofriverbank enhancements supporting river andriverbank ecosystems will reflect the high priority thatthe city places on ecologically-sensitiveredevelopment along the Willamette River.Enhancements will also need to address flood storageand protection, bank stabilization, safe public accessto the water (where appropriate), and aestheticqualities in a way that protects natural resources andpublic and private property.

When proposing alterations to the riverbank in SouthWaterfront, using re-stabilization strategies thatsupport ecological functions will enhance the overallvalue of the river's edge. For example, where theadjacent river is shallow, redeveloping the riverbankwith a shallower slope will enlarge the shallow-waterfeeding and resting areas important to the juveniles ofmany native fish species and other wildlife. It will alsodecrease the potential for flood damage by increasingflood storage capacity, and facilitate bank stability anderosion control. The riverbank can be further sculptedto create an uneven surface that would provide holesand shelves under the water during wetter months.Bio-engineered riverbank solutions are encouragedwhere they are compatible with the river�s hydrologyand other adjacent greenway functions.



Native plant species on the riverbank will enhance theriverbank�s ecological functions as well as in-waterfish habitats. New opportunities for the growth ofvegetation or the placement of �large wood� (such asfallen timber) that overhang or penetrate the water�sedge, offer shaded, protected sections of the river thatare desirable for native fish species. New, diversecommunities of riverbank vegetation should be wellintegrated so that they are self-sustaining and requirelittle ongoing maintenance.

Public connections to the river are critical to urban lifeand help protect ecologically sensitive areas fromrandom encroachment by residents and visitors. Theintegration of public connections and river edgespaces with bio-engineered riverbank solutions willcontribute to balancing and integrating the functionalecological corridor with the urban environment.

GUIDELINEUtilize riverbank stabilization strategies thatenhance the river and riverbank ecosystems.

Where appropriate, integrate public access to thewater that is safe and supportive of adjacentriverbank areas.

Integrate a variety of vegetation, above and belowordinary high water (OHW), that supports the riverand riverbank habitats.

Note: The Willamette Riverbank Design Notebook offers a methodical procedurefor analyzing an existing section of riverbank and developing different strategiesfor its enhancement. Some of these strategies would be appropriate in SouthWaterfront. Copies of the notebook are available from the Portland DevelopmentCommission, at 503-823-3200, or www.portlanddev.com.




1. Implementing bio-engineered riverbanks.

This section drawing illustrates a potential bio-engineeredriverbank, which is essentially a structured soil bank. Thesetypes of riverbank systems offer the necessary structuralstabilization as well as enhanced ecological functions for nativespecies of fish and wildlife.

2. Integrating riverbank design solutions with thedifferent greenway areas and uses.

This photo shows a bio-engineered bank along the EastbankEsplanade (in the left foreground), that has been integrated withan adjacent urban, public viewpoint (right foreground). Theviewpoint is cantilevered over a part of the riverbank, minimizingimpacts to the ecological functions offered by the bank.




3. Incorporating clustered communities of nativeplants along the riverbank.

The section drawing illustrates what a re-vegetated riverbankmight look like. Multistoried clusters of native plants, including amixture of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers, significantly increasethe value of river and riverbank ecologies.

4. Integrating public access to the river with riverbankplant communities.

This is one of the access paths to the river at South WaterfrontPark. The path has been integrated on the riverbank to takeadvantage of the topography, and is bordered with rough stoneson either side. The stones encourage humans to stay on thepath, while reducing the impact of the path on the adjacent plantcommunities.



2. DEVELOP A COHESIVEGREENWAY TRAIL SYSTEM

BACKGROUNDImplementation of the greenway trail through SouthWaterfront is critical to completing the district�stransportation system and linking the RiverPlace areato John�s Landing. Ensuring safe, engaging,convenient and direct public access to the trail frominterior locations in the district will facilitate pedestrianand bicycle movement and help to encouragealternate modes of transportation. Where a north-south street alignment itself does not physicallyseparate development from the greenway, each east-west street will provide a connection to the trail fromthe eastern end of the accessway. Additionally,private development is encouraged to provideadditional access points to the greenway trail alongthe frontage of the development. These connectionscould offer more direct access from internal sectionsof the development and have the potential toencourage increased use of the trail system.

Well-integrated systems of night lighting will supportthe 24-hour character of South Waterfront. Nightlighting along the greenway trail should accomplish avariety of functions, ranging from providing a sense ofsecurity to remaining sensitive to adjacent functioningareas. To enhance the trail�s self-security and senseof activity, light fixtures should be placed and shieldedso that only the trail and its supporting area are lit.Nearby residential and ecological areas will bothbenefit from a sensitive nighttime lighting strategy.

Along the length of South Waterfront�s greenway, thetrail will have opportunities to meander through themixture of urban spaces and ecologically-sensitiveareas, offering diversity to the greenway experience.Special topographical features, unique views, and/orspecial access to the river and new emphasis areasare examples of opportunities that could cause thetrail to wander. Places where the trail meandersriverward of the primary trail area should becoordinated with public access connections fromeastern ends of the accessways to maintain safe andeasy connections to the trail.



GUIDELINEEnsure that pedestrian and bicycle connections tothe greenway trail from the adjacent accesswaysor urban spaces are safe, convenient and direct.

Ensure that the greenway trail, its accessconnections, and the accessways are well lit atnight to create a sense of activity and security.Place and shield lighting fixtures so that they donot detract from adjacent use areas.

Align the trail to take advantage of the site�sopportunities to enhance the diversity of trailexperiences.


1. Developing multifunctional trail designs.

These slightly elevated benches have been incorporated into theplanted median of a Vancouver, BC, waterfront trail. The medianseparates wheeled traffic (bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards,etc.) from pedestrian movement. Elevated seating opportunitieslike these increase the view potential from a seated position,enhancing the overall trail experience.




2. Integrating a mixture of planted and urbanelements.

This is a view of the pedestrian portion of a split waterfront trail inVancouver, BC. A variety of sizes and types of plantings in themedian contrast with the urban character of the seating ledge,the benches and the character of adjacent development.

3. Reusing existing materials or components to addto the diversity of trail experiences.

These remnants of a building have been reused along this trail toseparate trail sections. This method can be used to retain aconnection to the area�s history, while separating pedestrianfrom wheeled traffic, or possibly to separate the primary trail froma viewpoint area.




4. Developing additional access points to the trail.

This image shows a minor access connection from a building toa trail system. The stepped access path has incorporated avariety of plants around it, helping to build a strong connectionbetween the building and greenway characters. These types ofsecondary connections are enhanced when their physical links tothe trail are clearly marked by changes in paving materials,lighting or signs.

5. Integrating the trail�s design and development withadjacent streets.

This is an example of a trail segment that is directly adjacent to astreet. In South Waterfront, roughly north of Gibbs Street, thereare many opportunities to develop unique links between thetrail�s function and adjacent portions of River Parkway.



3. DEFINE VIEWPOINTS

BACKGROUNDViewpoints take advantage of special opportunitiesalong the Willamette River Greenway system. Theyprovide locations where the public can enjoy uniquevantage points of the river, ecological areas and thebuilt environment from South Waterfront�s greenway.There is one major viewpoint identified in SouthWaterfront, at the eastern end of Ross Island BridgePark. There are minor viewpoints identified as well;spaces that visually link locations both to and from theriver. Refer to the Portland Zoning Code for viewpointlocations.

Viewpoints often benefit from the incorporation of�short-duration stop� facilities that support stopping,gathering and viewing activities. Places to sit,interpretive kiosks, integrated water features, publicart, and access to the water or river transportation areexamples of the types of facilities that can enhanceviewpoint locations. Viewpoints and associatedelements present opportunities for the adaptive reuseof building materials or elements from existingstructures in the area. Reused pieces of steel,concrete or other masonry, loading dock canopiesand parts of cranes are examples of materials thatcan be considered in the design of new viewpointfacilities.

Viewpoints should be designed to be understood asextensions or supportive components of the greenwaytrail. They should provide enough space for groups ofpeople to gather without conflicting with themovement portions of the trail system. Specialarrangements of plants can be used to provide asense of enclosure, and to develop a character that isdistinct from the trail itself.

GUIDELINEDefine viewpoints that are understood asextensions of the greenway trail, withoutconflicting with the trail�s movement functions.

Consider the incorporation of �short-durationstop� facilities in viewpoint design.




1. Taking advantage of historic remnants to markviewpoints.

Gantry Park in New York City has reused some significantindustrial remnants to frame westerly views of Manhattan.Remnants similar to these exist (or have existed) along SouthWaterfront�s riverbank and have the potential to provide strongfocal points for new viewpoints along the greenway.

2. Integrating public access to the river at viewpointlocations.

This viewing location under the Marquam Bridge at the southernend of South Waterfront Park has integrated a public accesspath to the water. The path has been incorporated to one side ofthe viewpoint, maximizing the area that can be devoted to peoplegathering to enjoy the view.




3. Incorporating short-duration stop amenities.

This image is of a small viewing area along the west side ofManhattan in New York City. The viewpoint offers short-durationstop amenities including movable seating, space for vendingcarts and access to the water. Additionally, materials such asdecomposed granite and cobblestones help to define theviewpoint from the main movement sections of the trail.

4. Aligning viewpoints with major east-westconnections.

This urban viewpoint is at the end of a major street in Vancouver,BC, between development and the trail, rather than between thetrail and the water. It has been built up to a level above the trailto offer view locations across the trail and has also incorporateda flexible open space that can accommodate small events orgatherings.




5. Incorporating works of art and/or water features atviewpoint locations.

This sculpture helps to mark a viewing location along awaterfront trail. Depending on the amount of space set aside forthe viewpoint, developing larger-scale pieces can create smaller�windows� through which one can appreciate more specificviews, in addition to the larger available panoramas.

6. Developing viewpoints as distinct places that canbe understood as extensions of the greenway trail.

This larger viewing area on the Eastbank Esplanade has beendesigned to provide a large gathering area that is clearly definedfrom the main trail. It is lower than the trail (to the right),preserving some views for pedestrians and cyclists from the trailto the water. The steps, the rock stanchions, the plantings andthe mesh platform (at certain locations) all work together toemphasize this location as a distinct space.



4. DESIGN DIVERSEPLANT COMMUNITIES

BACKGROUNDLandscape design is a critical component indetermining the overall quality and functionalcapability of the greenway. The vision for landscapedesign for South Waterfront�s greenway stresses thedevelopment of multifunctional communities of nativeand native-like plants that integrate the needs of thehuman and natural environments.

Multifunctional greenway landscapes can be achievedby creating clustered plant communities thatincorporate a variety of predominantly native plants.Clustered plant communities that includegroundcovers, shrubs and trees enrich the diversity ofavailable plants for area wildlife, while helping toprovide open areas where people can enjoy views of,and access to, the river as they experience thegreenway. Planting design solutions that balance theecological needs of dense vegetation with the �eyeson the greenway� concept that calls for visualpermeability will contribute to the greenway�slandscape character. It is important at the earlystages of the design process to consider theecological needs of plants as they mature.

The use of native and native-like plants is importantthroughout the greenway to provide the mostecologically functional value. Plant species should beselected based on the soil, light, moisture conditions,context and adjacent uses of a given site.Communities of native plants not only providefunctional value to different natural ecology, but alsoto human users, through their aesthetic qualities interms of texture, color and variety. Additionally, theuse of pervious or permeable paving systems, suchas sand-set bricks, porous concrete, grass-crete anddecomposed granite, in auxiliary areas intended toaccommodate human use greatly increases thearea�s ability to treat stormwater onsite.

GUIDELINESelect appropriate species of native and native-like plants based on the soil, light, moistureconditions, context and adjacent uses of the site.

Arrange plant communities to provide ecologicalfunctions, security and connectivity to urbanspaces.




1. Developing clustered groups of diverse plantsbased on the site�s existing conditions.

This image shows a view of planted areas near the northern endof the Eastbank Esplanade. Clustering of the different types ofplants has enhanced the clusters� ecological functions whilecreating opportunities for views through them at intervals alongthis section of greenway trail.

2. Developing planting designs that balanceecological functions with the security of trail users.

This image shows some of the plantings at South WaterfrontPark, near the Marquam Bridge. Mixtures of groundcovers,shrubs and trees can be arranged to maximize both thefunctional values of plant diversity for native species of fish andother wildlife, while providing enough visibility through them tooffer users on the trail a sense of security.

Greenway Design Guidelines for South Watefront



3. Integrating places for people to stop and restwithin greenway plant arrangements.

This section of trail in Vancouver, BC, offers off-trail locationswhere trail users can stop, gather and socialize. This particulararea has simply been developed as a small clearing in the plantarrangements.

4. Blending plant species used in greenway areaswith those used in more interior locations of thedistrict.

This is a densely-planted section of sidewalk in NorthwestPortland. The scale and character of these plants are nottypically found along sidewalks in Portland�s urbanized areas,and help to highlight the relationship(s) between urban andecological areas.

Greenway Design Guidelines for South Watefront



5. Arranging plant species to create wetland habitats.

This image shows a view of an emergent wetland habitat atWillamette Park. Clusters of riparian plant species maximizeecological functional values of wetland habitats along theriverbank.


Appendices


Section IVAppendices


Appendices


Adopting Ordinance and Resolution

Appendices


Appendices


Documents

South Waterfront Design Guidelines and the Greenway Design